The Unexpected Gift of Marriage

For more than five decades she has lived as a single woman, but this weekend my friend Nancy joins her life to another. She wasn't looking for marriage. She's lived with a single-hearted devotion to Christ and a commitment to ministering to women, seeking to help women thrive spiritually, calling them to freedom, fullness, and fruitfulness in Christ. She was only looking to finish well.

Although she wasn't looking for marriage, it was a gift the Father knew she needed and one He wanted to bless her with.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28).

In God's wisdom and love, this gift was one that would bring Him great glory, so He extended to her the gift of marriage.

For years she has called herself a "wedding coordinator" (in a spiritual sense, serving to bring women into relationship with Christ). But now God is coordinating a season of marriage for her. He calls out to her to follow Him in this new dance of love, and she responds as she has responded many times before with a simple, "Yes, Lord."

The Bridegroom calls:

"Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come" (Song of Sol. 2:10–12).

The Bride responds:

"My beloved is mine, and I am his" (v. 16)

It has been a joy to watch as God has faithfully led my friend on a path into unknown territory and watch her take each step prayerfully and carefully. She guarded her heart in the early days of their relationship, not wanting to be led by emotion, but trusting that God would protect and guide her through His Word. She sought out wise counselors and entered a season of fasting and prayer, all along the way depending on her heavenly Father to lead her along the path He had carved for her.

Today begins a weekend of wedding celebration as loved ones join Nancy and Robert in this beautiful display of the gospel, as we witness a demonstration of God's covenant love for us. You are invited to join the ceremony tomorrow, November 14, through LIVE stream, if you want to experience this momentous occasion. Click here for more information on how to do that.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Rom. 11:33).

About the Author

Kimberly Wagner

Kimberly Wagner

Kimberly Wagner is the author of Fierce Women: The Power of a Soft Warrior and is a frequent guest on Revive Our Hearts radio program, as well as a regular contributor to the blog. Kimberly's passion is Christ and she … read more …


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